Sling

Sling, device used to hurl stones or other objects. In ancient slings, a stone was placed on a strap and spun quickly above the head before being let loose to fly through the air with great force. The biblical hero David killed Goliath with a stone from a sling. Soldiers from the armies of ancient Egypt through those of medieval Europe used slings in combat. Another form of sling, the bola, is tossed along with the stone. Thrown at an animal, it will entangle its legs as well as forcefully hit it.